SHEFFIELD
China’s Wu Yize has made history at the Crucible Theatre, defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a breathtaking final to become the World Snooker Champion. At just 22 years old, Wu is now the second-youngest player to ever lift the trophy, trailing only the legendary Stephen Hendry.
The match was a rollercoaster of high-stakes drama, ending in a final-frame decider for the first time since 2002. Facing immense pressure, Wu displayed incredible nerves by potting a difficult red into the middle pocket before finishing with a brilliant break of 85. This victory marks the fourth consecutive year a first-time winner has claimed the title, signaling a major shift in the sport’s hierarchy.
An emotional Wu dedicated the win to his parents, calling them the “true champions” for supporting his dream since he left school to pursue snooker. His father has been by his side throughout his journey, even sharing a tiny, windowless flat during their early years in England. After the grueling match, a weary Wu admitted he was so exhausted from the nerves that he simply wanted a long sleep.
Shaun Murphy, a former champion himself, was gracious in defeat despite losing his fourth final in Sheffield. He praised Wu as one of the most talented players he has ever seen, admitting that the young star simply won the game through pure skill. With this win, Wu leaps to fourth in the world rankings, cementing his place as a leading figure in snooker’s new era.
